The First Annual Ripple Effect Award!
Barnstable County Announces Inaugural Ripple Effect Award Recipients Three Cape Cod water leaders recognized for lasting contributions to science, restoration and water-resource protection
Barnstable County has announced the first recipients of the Ripple Effect Awards, recognizing three individuals whose leadership, expertise and commitment have made a lasting impact on the protection and restoration of Cape Cod’s water resources.
At their August 26 meeting in Truro, the Barnstable County Commissioners endorsed the inaugural award recipients: Denis LeBlanc, Hydrologist and Scientist Emeritus with the U.S. Geological Survey; Rick Bishop, Executive Director of Friends of Bass River; and Dr. Kimberly Crocker-Pearson, Chair of the Brewster Natural Resources Advisory Commission.
The recipients were selected from 23 nominations representing 11 nominees from across Cape Cod.
Created by Barnstable County’s Clean Water Center as part of the inaugural Cape Cod Clean Water Week, September 13–19, the Ripple Effect Awards celebrate people whose work has created meaningful and lasting change for the Cape’s groundwater, ponds, estuaries and other water resources.
“Protecting Cape Cod’s water has never been the work of one organization or one solution. It happens because people commit themselves to the science, restoration, advocacy and collaboration that move this work forward,” said Brian Baumgaertel, Director of Barnstable County’s Clean Water Center. “We created the Ripple Effect Awards to recognize those individuals and to show how one person’s dedication can extend outward—strengthening communities, inspiring others and creating lasting change for Cape Cod’s water.”
Here’s more info on our winners!!
Denis LeBlanc, Hydrologist and Scientist Emeritus, U.S. Geological Survey
For nearly five decades, Denis LeBlanc’s groundwater research has helped shape understanding of Cape Cod’s sole-source aquifer and how contaminants move through groundwater systems.
His groundbreaking research into groundwater contamination at the former Massachusetts Military Reservation, now Joint Base Cape Cod, helped launch decades of investigation and remediation while contributing to improvements in groundwater science and cleanup practices locally and nationally.
LeBlanc also developed and advanced groundwater models, sampling techniques and other scientific tools that have supported environmental research and remediation. Throughout his career, he has shared his expertise through mentoring, technical committees, field demonstrations, public presentations and educational programs, helping make complex groundwater science accessible to professionals and the broader community.
Rick Bishop, Executive Director, Friends of Bass River
Rick Bishop is being recognized for his leadership in turning ambitious restoration goals into measurable environmental improvements throughout the Bass River watershed.
Bishop has helped secure more than $10 million for the restoration of more than 57 acres of former cranberry bogs to natural wetlands while building partnerships among municipalities, agencies, organizations and community members.
His work has encompassed tidal restoration, fish passage, wetlands, stormwater treatment, shellfish projects and environmental monitoring. As Executive Director of Friends of Bass River, Bishop has also helped grow an approximately 1,800-member grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the watershed and engaging residents in the stewardship of local water resources.
Dr. Kimberly Crocker-Pearson, Chair, Brewster Natural Resources Advisory Commission
Dr. Kimberly Crocker-Pearson is being recognized for bringing together science, public health and municipal policy to strengthen the protection of Brewster’s ponds and water resources.
She played a key role in the development of Brewster’s 2026 Ponds Management Plan, helping strengthen the use and accessibility of more than two decades of water-quality monitoring data and identify opportunities for improved pond protection.
Through her work with Brewster’s natural resources, conservation and health boards, Crocker-Pearson has helped translate scientific findings into practical municipal policy while encouraging collaboration and science-based decision-making. Her ability to communicate the connections among pond ecology, conservation and public health has also helped make complex water-quality issues accessible to the community.
Congratulations all!
Interested in joining us to honor the Ripple Effect winners? RSVP here.
